thinking of going into CMA

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Hello everyone in new here. Im currently a CMA student but I am thinking of changing my mind. The stories i have been hearing are that CMA are not hands on with PT. and the pay is really low is this true? A friend of mine is try to convince me to go for LMR but Im thinking that it will probably be about the same as CMA. DOes anyone have any advice?

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What is LMR????? Anyhow, do not do it I know for a fact that CMA do not make what they should make for how much there training costs, As far as patient contact, I'm sure wherever they hire CMA they have contact with a patient. I know they draw blood and give some shots, the CMA at my Doctors office gave me all my shots for Nursing school(HepB,PPD,Diphtheria,Tetorifice,Pertussis(sp)) and drew my Blood for lab work, so there is alot that they do, but There is alot they cannot do and the pay that they receive is just horrible. A friend of min is taking a CMA course and she is livid with how much money she spent to take the course, and how much the doctors offices pay around our area. I'm sure there are other places to work besides doctors offices but I'm sure the pay would suck there as well. I know its not all about money yadda yadda yadda but as much as your job should not be about the money, people have bills to pay, kids to raise, etc and that takes money.

S if you can stop, and start taking classes for Nursing if that is what you want to do, or start working on some other career.

Just my 2 cents

Andy

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Medical assistant? I wouldnt advise it, I wasted 7k and cant get a job. Everyone wants experience but no one will give it to you. I took the program back in 97 sent out 13 resumes the past two months and still dont have a job. Not good.

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WannaBEmaleRN-- that sucks i actually read somewhere that many men do not go into the medical assisting feild for that reason. At least nowyou are on the right track

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Geriatrics, Call Center RN.

Out here in the midwest LTC facilities use CMA's to pass meds. They give almost all the meds. That way they do not have to hire as many RN's. In doctor's offices there are a few CMA's that do weight height and such, but lab draws are done by phlebotomist and injections given by RN's. Good luck on whatever you decide. What about LPN school? That way you can bridge to be an RN in little time if you chose.

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Yh, its sad. I want to work in the medical field while going to school. I guess they dont want men to do EKG's on females but I guess its ok to have OB Dr.s its all a discrimination thing I guess. Not doing the CNA thing, I did that for 5 yrs. I guess they dont care if they see nursing student on my resume, gee...if I saw a guy going to nursing school I would want him in my office but I guess people think differently. Oh well 2 more yrs then maybe I will have a job..or there is alwasy walmart, you dont need experience there....or do you? Very sad.

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Specializes in Ante-Intra-Postpartum, Post Gyne.

Your wrong about the hands on with PT part, you will get that. I have been at my job over four years and I just go a .50 raise today, I am making a whopping 9.50 now.

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Thanks for the replys I want to be a Rn so the best plan of action would be going for my LPN right now then. I didn't know that males have a hard time getting a job as a CMA that's really not fair. Its kind of werid that back in the old days all the nurses were male and now it seems to have reveresed. Also, I have been hearing alot from people saying the LPNs will soon be out and then it will just be LPNs and RNs Im having a tough time believeing that does anyone think that this is true?

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Why go for your LPN? I have heard alot of people say it was a waste of time and money. Go for your RN and be done with it your going to waste about a yr. if you do it the other way because I was going to do it and the others I know are sorry they did it that way also.

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Mainly because it will be easier to get into the RN program if I do the LPN first. There is a BIG waiting list and if I have my LPN they will take my over someone who doesn't have it. Besides I have to be able to work.

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At my school they have a allied health program called "MultiSkilled health care technician" where you get CNA, Phlebotomy and Ekg tech training. WOuld this be sort of like a Medical Assistant. I was considering this because i already am a CNA so it would't take me that long to get the other training, but i decided to stick with nursing and of course i got in for the fall.

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